Connected photo-activatable formulation applicator

ABSTRACT

An applicator device includes a photo-active formulation assembly and a photo-dose assembly operably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly. The photo-active formulation assembly includes one or a plurality of dispenser portions and one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs. The photo-active formulation assembly is operable to dispense a photo-activatable formulation from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface. The photo-dose assembly includes at least one illuminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface. The focused electromagnetic energy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/337,072, filed on May 16, 2016 and of U.S. application Ser. No.14/829,370, filed on Aug. 18, 2015, both of which are expresslyincorporated herein by reference, and this application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/829,370.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an applicator device includes a photo-activeformulation assembly and a photo-dose assembly operably coupled to thephoto-active formulation assembly. The photo-active formulation assemblyincludes a dispenser portion and one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs. The photo-active formulation assembly isoperable to dispense a photo-activatable formulation from the one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or more regionsof a biological surface. The photo-dose assembly includes at least oneilluminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or morefocal regions of a biological surface. The focused electromagneticenergy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activatethe photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In one example, the photo-active formulation assembly includes at leastone replaceable formulation cartridge. In another example, thephoto-active formulation includes one or more photo-active polymers,photo-active oligomers, photo-active monomers, cross-linkable polymers,and the like. In another example, the photo-active formulation assemblyincludes one or more photo-curable materials. In another example, thephoto-dose assembly includes a light ring proximate the dispenserportion.

In an embodiment, the photo-dose assembly includes at least onewaveguide structure. In an embodiment, photo-dose assembly includes oneor more waveguides structures configured to direct an emittedelectromagnetic energy stimulus to one or more focal regions of abiological surface. Non-limiting examples of waveguide structuresinclude electromagnetic energy waveguides, acoustic energy waveguides(e.g., ultrasonic energy waveguides), optical energy waveguides (e.g.,optical fibers, photonic-crystal fibers, or the like), radiationwaveguides, thermal energy waveguides, and the like. Furthernon-limiting examples of waveguides structures include diffractiveelements (e.g., gratings, cross-gratings, or the like), diffusingelements, etchings, facets, grooves, lens structures, light-diffusingstructures, mirrored structures, mirrored surfaces, opticalmicro-prisms, lenses (e.g., micro-lenses or the like), reflectivecoatings, reflective materials, reflective surfaces, texturing,thin-films, and the like, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment,the waveguide structure comprises structures suitable for directingelectromagnetic energy waves.

In an embodiment, the waveguide structure comprises at least one of atransparent, translucent, or light-transmitting material, andcombinations or composites thereof. Non-limiting examples oftransparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials include thosematerials that offer a low optical attenuation rate to the transmissionor propagation of light waves. Further non-limiting examples oftransparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials includeborosilicate glasses, crystals, epoxies, glasses, optically clearmaterials, plastics, polymers, resins, semi-clear materials, thermalresins, thermo plastics, and the like, and combinations or compositesthereof.

In another example, the photo-dose assembly 26 includes a plurality ofwaveguide structures. In another example, the photo-active formulationassembly includes a roller assembly for dispensing the photo-activatableformulation onto the one or more regions of the biological surface andthe photo-dose assembly includes a light ring proximate the rollerassembly. In an embodiment, the photo-dose assembly includes one or morewaveguides. In an embodiment, the roller assembly comprises one or morewaveguides.

In another example, the photo-dose assembly is configured to modify aspectral parameter based on information indicative of a photo-curingcomposition type. For example, during operation, the photo-dose assemblyincludes circuitry configured to modify one more parameters associatedwith emission intensity, emission phase, emission polarization, emissionwavelength (e.g., a peak emission wavelength, a radiation wavelength, anaverage emission wavelength, or the like), pulse frequency, and the likeresponsive to one or more inputs indicative of a photo-curingcomposition type.

In another example, the spectral parameter includes one or more of awavelength of the focused electromagnetic energy, an intensity of thefocused electromagnetic energy, or a duration of the focusedelectromagnetic energy. In another example, the photo-active formulationassembly dispenses the photo-activatable formulation from the one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto the one or moreregions of a biological surface at rate commensurate with a photo-curingrate.

In another example, the at least one illuminator is arranged concentricabout the dispenser portion of the photo-active formulation assembly. Inanother example, the electromagnetic energy is selected based on thephoto-activatable formulation in the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs. In another example, the focused electromagneticenergy comprises electromagnetic energy at a plurality of wavelengths,and wherein the plurality of wavelengths are operable to photo-activatea plurality of coatings of photo-activatable formulations. In anotherexample, the photo-active formulation assembly includes at least onephoto-activatable formulation nebulizer.

In another embodiment, a method of applying a photo-activatableformulation includes dispensing, by a dispenser portion of aphoto-active formulation assembly, photo-activatable formulation fromone or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or moreregions of a biological surface and focusing, by a photo-dose assemblyoperably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly,electromagnetic energy from at least one illuminator onto one or morefocal regions of the biological surface. The focused electromagneticenergy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activatethe photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In one example, the photo-active formulation assembly is a part of areplaceable formulation cartridge, and wherein dispensing thephoto-activatable formulation includes dispensing the photo-activatableformulation from the replaceable formulation cartridge. In anotherexample, the method further includes removing the replaceableformulation cartridge from an applicator that includes the photo-doseassembly, coupling a second replaceable formulation cartridge to theapplicator, and dispensing, from the second replaceable formulationcartridge, a second photo-activatable formulation onto the one or moreregions of the biological surface. In another example, the methodfurther includes focusing, by the photo-dose assembly, electromagneticenergy from the at least one illuminator onto the one or more focalregions of the biological surface, the focused electromagnetic energy ofa character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the secondphoto-activatable formulation dispensed from the second replaceableformulation cartridge.

In an embodiment, an applicator device includes a photo-activeformulation assembly including one or a plurality of dispenser portionsand one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs, thephoto-active formulation assembly being operable to dispense aphoto-activatable formulation from the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface;and a photo-dose assembly operably coupled to the photo-activeformulation assembly, the photo-dose assembly including at least oneilluminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or morefocal regions of a biological surface, the focused electromagneticenergy of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activatethe photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In an embodiment, the applicator device includes at least one proximitysensor configured to activate the at least one illuminator. In anexample, the at least one proximity sensor is selected from the groupconsisting of infrared, acoustic, ultrasound, conductance, dielectric,capacitance, electrochemical, fluorescence, force, heat, thermocouple,thermistor, interdigital, optical, physiological, and inductive sensors.In an example, the proximity sensor requires contact to the biologicalsurface to activate the at least one illuminator.

In an embodiment, the illuminator is operable to project images onto thebiological surface. In an example, images include one or more ofinstructions for a treatment, a target or guide display to directtreatment, or a notification.

In an embodiment, the applicator device includes a camera operable totake images of the biological surface.

In an embodiment, the dispenser portion comprises a biocompatibleconductive coating on an exterior of the dispenser portion.

In an embodiment, the dispenser portion includes a ball operable to rollon the biological surface. In an example, the biocompatible conductivecoating includes polyethylenedioxythiophene, nano-composites thereof, orgrapheme. In an example, the biocompatible conductive coating is anelectrode.

In an embodiment, the applicator device includes a shield proximate ofthe dispenser portion, wherein the shield comprises a one-way mirroroperable to allow transmission of light from the at least oneilluminator towards the dispenser portion. In an example, the shield isoperable to block reflected light. In an example, the shield has ahemispherical shape.

In an embodiment, the photo-active formulation assembly includes amachine readable feature encoded with information. In an example, themachine readable feature is a radio frequency identification tag, amagnetic chip, a barcode, a 2-D barcode, or any electronically readablechip. In an example, the information includes the wavelength, time,amplitude, or a combination thereof, for activating the photo-activeformulation.

In an embodiment, the photo-dose assembly includes a reader configuredto lie in proximity to the machine readable feature, and the reader canread the information provided on the machine readable feature. In anexample, the photo-dose assembly is operable to control the wavelengthof the electromagnetic energy delivered by the illuminator, the time theilluminator is on, the amplitude of the electromagnetic energy producedby the illuminator, or any combination, based on the information on themachine readable feature.

In an embodiment, the photo-active formulation assembly includes amachine readable feature encoded with the wavelength, time, or amplitudeat which the photo-active formulation is activated, and the photo-doseassembly includes a reader in proximity to the machine readable feature.

In an embodiment, the photo-active formulation assembly includes one ormore waveguides fixed to an exterior surface.

In an embodiment, the applicator device includes a cavity between aninterior of the photo-dose assembly and an exterior of the photo-activeformulation assembly, wherein the interior of the photo-dose assemblyand the exterior of the photo-active formulation assembly have areflective surface. In an example, the cavity forms an ellipticalreflector.

In an embodiment, the dispenser portion comprises a ball having aflexible outer surface and a fluid or gel inside the flexible outersurface.

In an embodiment, an applicator device includes a photo-activeformulation assembly including one or a plurality of dispenser portionsand one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs, thephoto-active formulation assembly being operable to dispense aphoto-activatable formulation from the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface;and a photo-dose assembly configured to be operably coupled to thephoto-active formulation assembly, wherein the photo-active formulationassembly allows insertion into the photo-does assembly in a singleorientation, the photo-dose assembly including at least one illuminatororiented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regionsof a biological surface, the focused electromagnetic energy of acharacter and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate thephoto-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In an embodiment, a method of applying a photo-activatable formulationincludes dispensing, by a dispenser portion of a photo-activeformulation assembly, photo-activatable formulation from one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of abiological surface; reading from a machine readable feature on thephoto-active formulation assembly, information for activating thephoto-activatable formulation; and focusing, by a photo-dose assemblyoperably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly,electromagnetic energy from at least one illuminator onto one or morefocal regions of the biological surface, wherein the wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy, the time the illuminator is on, the amplitude ofthe electromagnetic energy, or any combination, is based on theinformation read from the machine readable feature.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator fordispensing photo-activatable formulations and photo-activating thedispensed photo-activatable formulations, in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the embodiment of theapplicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 3 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of theapplicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict side and perspective exploded views,respectively, of the embodiment of the applicator depicted in FIG. 1, inaccordance with embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of adispenser end of the applicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance withembodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts an end view of an embodiment of a dispenser end of theembodiment of the applicator depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance withembodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of the applicatordepicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a method of applying a photo-activatableformulation, which can be performed using embodiments of applicatorscapable of dispensing and photo-activating photo-activatableformulations described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an applicator inaccordance with embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 11 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an applicator inaccordance with embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Formulation applicators are used to apply formulations to skin and otherbiological surfaces. The ability to apply a formulation from anapplicator can be especially convenient for users. Other formulationcontainers, such as jars, bottles, and the like, lead to waste amountsof formulation in the containers and reduced usable life of formulationfrom exposure to air and other environmental factors. Formulationsapplied to skin include makeup, personal soaps, skin care products, haircare products or any other cosmetic products.

Some formulations have been developed to be activated by light or otherelectromagnetic energy. These formulations, sometimes calledphoto-activatable formulations, are photo-activatable in some manner byexposure to electromagnetic energy of a particular character and for aparticular duration. In some examples, activation of thephoto-activatable formulations includes material changes of thephoto-activatable formulations, reactions of the photo-activatableformulations, or any other type of action or change by thephoto-activatable formulations. In an embodiment, material changes ofthe photo-activatable formulations include changes in viscosityresponsive to an electromagnetic energy stimulus. In some examples, amaterial change or reaction includes cross-linking, controlled release,or radical generation. When the photo-activatable formulations areexposed to electromagnetic energy at the activation wavelength, theelectromagnetic energy activates the photo-activatable formulations,causing the change or action. In some examples, the activationwavelength is a specific wavelength or a range of wavelengths. In otherexamples, the photo-active formulation includes at least one ofphoto-active polymers, photo-active oligomers, photo-active monomers,cross-linkable polymers, or photo-curable materials.

Some examples of photo-activatable formulations include cross-linkedpolymers and oligomers for foundation, lipstick, nail polish, dermalcovers, dermal fillers, and other cosmetic formulations. Severalexamples of cross-linked polymers and oligomers include photo-radicalinitiated polyethylene glycol acrylates and photo-crosslinkablestilbazole (SbQ) functionalized backbones (SMA-SbQ, PVA-SbQ). In oneexample, some PVA-SbQ materials are efficiently crosslinked usingultraviolet electromagnetic energy at a wavelength of 365 nm. Otherformulations are being developed that are designed to crosslink atlonger wavelengths into the visible portion of the spectrum (i.e., withwavelengths greater than 400 nm).

Examples of photo-activatable formulations are described in greaterdetail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0171083, entitled“Photo-Curable Cosmetic Compositions”; U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0139924, entitled “Fast Curing CosmeticCompositions for Tack Free Surface Photocuring of RadicallyPolymerizable Resins with UV-LED”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,734,772, entitled“Photo-Curable Resin for Cosmetic Application”; and InternationalPublication No. WO 2013/190469, entitled “Cosmetic Process for Making Upand/or Caring for the Lips,” the contents of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Depicted in FIGS. 1 to 8 are embodiments of an applicator 20 fordispensing photo-activatable formulations and activating the dispensedphoto-activatable formulations. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict perspective viewsof embodiments of the applicator 20. FIG. 3 depicts a sidecross-sectional view of embodiments of the applicator 20. FIGS. 4 and 5depict side and perspective exploded views, respectively, of embodimentsof the applicator 20. FIG. 6 depicts a partial cross-sectional view ofan embodiment of a dispenser end of the applicator 20. FIG. 7 depicts anend view of an embodiment of a dispenser end of the applicator 20. FIG.8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator 20.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the applicator 20 includes a photo-activeformulation assembly 22. The photo-active formulation assembly 22includes a dispenser portion 24 operable to dispense a photo-activatableformulation onto one or more regions of a biological surface (e.g., aportion of skin). In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the dispenser portion 24 is a ball dispenser. In some examples, the ballof the ball dispenser is a metal ball, a ceramic ball, or a polymerball. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises adispenser having a regular or irregular cross-sectional geometry. Insome embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a dispenser havinga spheroid geometric shape, a cylindrical shape, and the like. In someembodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a textured surface. Insome embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a surface having atleast one hydrophobic coating, hydrophilic coating, and the like. Insome embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a surface materialhaving a coefficients of friction ranging from about 0.15 to about 0.3.In some embodiments, the dispenser portion 24 comprises a surfacematerial having a coefficients of friction ranging from about 0.005 to0.2.

In some embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below, theapplicator 20 includes one or more photo-activatable formulationreservoirs from which the photo-activatable formulation is dispensedonto one or more regions of a biological surface.

The applicator 20 also includes a photo-dose assembly 26 operablycoupled to the photo-active formulation assembly 22. As discussed ingreater detail below, the photo-dose assembly 26 includes at least oneilluminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or morefocal regions of a biological surface. The focused electromagneticenergy from the photo-dose assembly 26 is of a character and for aduration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulationdispensed from the photo-active formulation assembly 22.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photo-dose assembly 26includes a light ring 28 located substantially concentric with thephoto-active formulation assembly 22. The light ring 28 is also locatedsuch that electromagnetic energy emitted from at least one illuminatorof the photo-dose assembly 26 passes through the light ring 28 and isdirected toward one or more focal regions of a biological surface. Inone embodiment, a spectral parameter type (e.g., a wavelength, anintensity, or a duration) of the electromagnetic energy emitted by thephoto-dose assembly 26 is selected based on information indicative of aphoto-curing composition type. In some embodiments, the light ring 28 isconfigured to focus the electromagnetic energy emitted by the at leastone illuminator and includes one or more of a lens, a diffuser, or agrating.

The applicator 20 also includes a housing 30. In one example, thehousing 30 holds the photo-active formulation assembly 22 and thephoto-dose assembly 26 such that at least one illuminator of thephoto-dose assembly 26 is oriented to focus electromagnetic energy ontoone or more focal regions of a biological surface with the focusedelectromagnetic energy of a character and for a duration sufficient tophoto-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs of the photo-activeformulation assembly 22. In some embodiments, the applicator 20 alsoincludes features, such as an activator such as a button 32 or grips 34,to aid in use of the applicator 20 by a user. For example, in oneembodiment, the button 32 is power button on an end opposite thephoto-active formulation assembly 22 and configured to toggle power tothe photo-dose assembly 26. In another embodiment, the housing 30 alsoincludes grips 34 that add to the convenience for a user to grip theapplicator 20.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 5, the photo-dose assembly 26 of theapplicator 20 includes at least one illuminator 36. Non-limitingexamples of illuminators 36 include arc flashlamps, cavity resonators,continuous wave bulbs, electric circuits, electrical conductors,electromagnetic energy emitting emitters, electromagnetic radiationemitters, electro-mechanical components, electro-opto components,incandescent emitters, laser diodes, lasers, light-emitting diodes(e.g., organic light-emitting diodes, polymer light-emitting diodes,polymer phosphorescent light-emitting diodes, microcavity light-emittingdiodes, high-efficiency light-emitting diodes, and the like), quantumdots, and the like.

In one example, the at least one illuminator 36 is a source ofelectromagnetic energy, such as a light emitting diode (LED). In thedepicted example, the at least one illuminator 36 includes six LEDs;however, the at least one illuminator 36 may include any number ofilluminators, such as a single illuminator or a plurality ofilluminators. The at least one illuminator 36 is arranged to focuselectromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biologicalsurface of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activatethe photo-activatable formulation dispensed from one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs of the photo-active formulationassembly 22. In one example, the at least one illuminator 36 includes apatterned illuminator having a plurality of spaced-apart electromagneticenergy emitting elements.

In one embodiment, one or more spectral parameters of theelectromagnetic energy emitted by the at least one illuminator 36 (e.g.,a wavelength of the electromagnetic energy, an intensity of theelectromagnetic energy, a duration of the electromagnetic energy, andthe like) are selected based on a particular photo-activatableformulation. In one embodiment, the at least one illuminator 36 includesat least one LED that includes III-V semiconductor materials or III-Nsemiconductor materials. With III-V and III-N LED technology,wavelengths are available from the ultraviolet range (i.e., from about10 nm to about 400 nm), through the visible range (i.e., from about 400nm to about 700 nm), and into the infrared range (from about 700 nm toabout 1 mm) of the electromagnetic spectrum. The power density anddimensions of these devices also cover a wide range.

In an embodiment, a plurality of illuminators are configured to emitradiation having one or more peak emission wavelengths in the infrared,visible, or ultraviolet spectrum, or combinations thereof. For example,during operation, at least illuminator 36 comprises a peak emissionwavelength ranging from about 700 nanometers to about 1 millimeter. Inan embodiment, at least one illuminator 36 comprises a peak emissionwavelength ranging from about 5 micrometers to about 10 micrometers. Inan embodiment, at least on illuminator 36 comprises a peak emissionwavelength ranging from about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers.

In an embodiment, the photo-dose assembly 26 includes circuitryconfigured to vary one or more of emission intensity, emission phase,emission polarization, emission wavelength (e.g., a peak emissionwavelength, a radiation wavelength, an average emission wavelength, orthe like), pulse frequency, and the like.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the photo-doseassembly 26 also includes at least one waveguide structure 38. In thedepicted embodiment, the at least one illuminator 36 is arranged to emitelectromagnetic energy toward the at least one waveguide structure 38.The at least one waveguide structure 38 is configured to transmit theelectromagnetic energy from the at least one illuminator 36.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the at least onewaveguide structure 38 includes six electromagnetic energy pipes. Insome examples, the at least one waveguide structure 38 is formed fromsegmented glass, polymer, or any other material that can transmitelectromagnetic energy. In one embodiment, the number of at least onewaveguide structure 38 is equal to a number of the at least oneilluminator 36; however, differing numbers of the at least oneilluminator 36 and the at least one waveguide structure 38 are possible.In one embodiment, the numbers of the at least one illuminator 36 andthe at least one waveguide structure 38 are selected based on based on asize of the applicator 20, light flux requirements of photo-activatableformulations, or any other factor.

In the depicted embodiment, the source of electromagnetic energy alsoincludes the light ring 28. The at least one waveguide structure 38 areconfigured to transmit the electromagnetic energy from the at least oneilluminator 36 to the light ring 28. One or both of the at least onewaveguide structure 38 or the light ring 28 is configured to focus theelectromagnetic energy and the photo-dose assembly 26 is oriented todirect the focused electromagnetic energy to one or more focal regionsof a biological surface to photo-activate photo-activatable formulationdispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In some embodiments, the applicator 20 also includes a controller 40,such as control circuitry, for the at least one illuminator 36. In oneexample, the controller 40 controls power to the at least oneilluminator 36. In another example, the controller 40 modifies aspectral parameter of the electromagnetic energy emitted from the atleast one illuminator 36 (e.g., wavelength, intensity, duration, and thelike) based on information indicative of a photo-curing compositiontype, photo-curing protocol, and the like. In another example, thecontroller 40 modifies a parameter associated with an illuminationtemporal pattern, an illumination spaced-apart pattern, and the likebased on information indicative of a photo-curing protocol.

In some examples, the controller 40 modifies a spectral parameter of theelectromagnetic energy emitted from the at least one illuminator 36 suchthat the emitted electromagnetic energy is configured to photo-activatethe dispensed photo-activatable formulation on the one or more regionsof a biological surface.

In some embodiments, the applicator 20 also includes a power source 42,such as a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the applicator 20includes one or more power sources 42. Non-limiting examples of powersources include one or more button cells, chemical battery cells, a fuelcell, secondary cells, lithium ion cells, micro-electric patches, nickelmetal hydride cells, silver-zinc cells, capacitors, super-capacitors,thin film secondary cells, ultra-capacitors, zinc-air cells, or thelike. Further non-limiting examples of power sources include one or moregenerators (e.g., electrical generators, thermo energy-to-electricalenergy generators, mechanical-energy-to-electrical energy generators,micro-generators, nano-generators, or the like) such as, for example,thermoelectric generators, piezoelectric generators, electromechanicalgenerators, or the like. In an embodiment, the power source includes atleast one rechargeable power source. In an embodiment, the power sourceincludes one or more micro-batteries, printed micro-batteries, thin filmbatteries, fuel cells (e.g., biofuel cells, chemical fuel cells, etc.),and the like.

The power source 42 is configured to provide power to the at least oneilluminator 36. In one embodiment, the applicator includes a powercontroller 44. In some examples, the power controller 44 includes one ormore of a charging coil, a charging circuit, or an actuator for thepower button 32. In the embodiment where the power controller 44includes a charging coil, the charging coil permits the power source 42to be recharged inductively. In one example, the applicator 20 isrecharged when placed in a cradle configured to inductively recharge thepower source 42 of the applicator 20.

In some embodiments, the applicator 20 also includes one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs 46 that hold photo-activatableformulation 48. The photo-active formulation assembly 22 is arranged todispense the photo-activatable formulation 48 to a one or more regionsof a biological surface. For example, in the depicted embodiment, thephoto-active formulation assembly 22 is a roller assembly for dispensingthe photo-activatable formulation onto the one or more regions of abiological surface. As the roller assembly is rolled over one or moreregions of a biological surface, an amount of the photo-activatableformulation 48 is dispensed to the one or more regions of a biologicalsurface. In one embodiment, the roller assembly is a waveguide thatguides electromagnetic energy from the photo-dose assembly 26. Inanother embodiment, photo-active formulation assembly 22 dispenses thephoto-activatable formulation 48 from the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs 46 onto one or more regions of a biologicalsurface at rate commensurate with a photo-curing rate of thephoto-activatable formulation 48. In another embodiment, thephoto-active formulation assembly 22 includes at least onephoto-activatable formulation nebulizer. In one example, thephoto-activatable formulation nebulizer delivers the photo-activatableformulation 48 in the form of a mist when the photo-active formulationassembly 22 dispenses the photo-activatable formulation 48.

In one embodiment, the one or more photo-activatable formulationreservoirs 46 are configured to limit exposure of the photo-activatableformulation 48 to electromagnetic energy prior to the photo-activatableformulation 48 being dispensed to the one or more regions of abiological surface. Limiting exposure of the photo-activatableformulation 48 to electromagnetic energy prior to being dispensedreduces the possibility that the photo-activatable formulation 48 willbe activated before it is dispensed. In one embodiment, the one or morephoto-activatable formulation reservoirs 46 are formed integrally withthe applicator 20. In another embodiment, as discussed below, the one ormore photo-activatable formulation reservoirs 46 are removable from theapplicator 20.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3 to 6 and FIG. 8, the photo-activeformulation assembly 22, including the one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs 46 and the photo-activatable formulation 48, arecontained within a replaceable formulation cartridge 50. In oneembodiment, the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 is removablycouplable to the applicator 20. In the example where the at least oneilluminator 36 is fixed in the applicator 20, the photo-activeformulation assembly 22 is also removably couplable to the photo-doseassembly 26. In the depicted embodiment, the replaceable formulationcartridge 50 includes external threads that engage internal threads of astructural member 52 of the applicator 20. In other embodiments, thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50 is removably couplable to theapplicator 20 by other mechanisms, such as a snap connector, a magneticcoupling, or any other releasable coupling mechanism.

This interchangeability of formulation cartridges allows a user tocouple the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 to the source ofelectromagnetic energy, dispense the photo-activatable formulation 48from the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 to a one or more regionsof a biological surface, and focus electromagnetic energy onto one ormore focal regions of a biological surface (e.g., by the at least oneilluminator 36) to activate the photo-activatable formulation 48dispensed on the one or more regions of the biological surface. Thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50 can then be removed from theapplicator 20 and then a different formulation cartridge can be coupledto the applicator 20. This interchangeability of formulation cartridgesallows different photo-active assemblies to be used with thephoto-dosing assembly 26. In practice, a user is able to dispensedifferent photo-activatable formulations from different formulationcartridges and activate the different photo-activatable formulationsusing the same photo-dosing assembly 26 of the applicator 20. It alsoallows the formulation cartridges to be disposable items while the otherportions of the applicator 20 are used over a longer period of time. Inone embodiment, focused electromagnetic energy from the photo-doseassembly 26 comprises electromagnetic energy at multiple wavelengthswhere the multiple wavelengths are operable to photo-activate multiplecoatings of photo-activatable formulations.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 to 5, the at least one illuminator36 is located at an end of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50opposite the dispenser portion 24. This positioning places the at leastone illuminator 36 away from the area where the replaceable formulationcartridge 50 is inserted into and coupled to the applicator 20 so thatthe at least one illuminator 36 is not damaged or misaligned by thecoupling or decoupling of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50. Thispositioning also places the at least one illuminator 36 closer to thepower source 42. While the at least one illuminator 36 is located at anend of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 opposite thephoto-active formulation assembly 22, the at least one waveguidestructure 38 and the light ring 28 are arranged to transmit theelectromagnetic energy from the at least one illuminator 36 and emit thefocused electromagnetic energy toward the one or more regions of abiological surface where the photo-activatable formulation 48 has beendispensed.

In one embodiment, where the replaceable formulation cartridge 50 isremovably couplable to the applicator 20, the replaceable formulationcartridge 50 includes an identifier. In some examples, the identifieridentifies one or more of the replaceable formulation cartridge 50, thephoto-activatable formulation 48 inside the replaceable formulationcartridge 50, an activation wavelength of the photo-activatableformulation 48 inside the replaceable formulation cartridge 50, anactivation power of the photo-activatable formulation 48 inside thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50, or any other information about thephoto-activatable formulation 48 or the replaceable formulationcartridge 50. In some examples, the identifier has the form of one ormore of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a color on thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50, a barcode on the replaceableformulation cartridge 50, printed information on the replaceableformulation cartridge 50, or any other kind of identifier.

In some embodiments, one or more spectral parameters of the source ofelectromagnetic energy are variable. In one example, the at least oneilluminator 36 includes a plurality of illuminators having differentwavelengths that can be powered separately. In another example, the atleast one illuminator 36 is capable of being powered at different levelsof power. In yet another example, the controller 40 controls the one ormore spectral parameters of the at least one illuminator 36. In oneembodiment, where the characteristics of the source of electromagneticenergy are variable and the replaceable formulation cartridge 50includes an identifier, one or more spectral parameters of the source ofelectromagnetic energy are modified based on the identifier of thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50. For example, the identifier mayindicate that the photo-activatable formulation 48 has an activationwavelength of 365 nm and the source of electromagnetic energy isadjusted to emit electromagnetic energy at about 365 nm when thereplaceable formulation cartridge 50 is coupled to the applicator 20.

In the end view of the applicator 20 depicted in FIG. 7, the dispenserportion 24 of the photo-active formulation assembly 22 is shown as beinglocated substantially concentrically with the light ring 28. In thisarrangement, the electromagnetic energy emitted from the light ring 28surrounds the area of the photo-active formulation assembly 22. Thisincreases the likelihood that any photo-activatable formulationdispensed by the photo-active formulation assembly 22 will be exposed tofocused electromagnetic energy emitted from the light ring 28. Theproximity of the light ring 28 to the photo-active formulation assembly22 also decreases the time between the dispensing of thephoto-activatable formulation by the photo-active formulation assembly22 and the exposure of the dispensed photo-activatable formulation tothe focused electromagnetic energy emitted by the light ring 28.

The benefits of the embodiments of the applicator 20 described hereininclude that the photo-activatable formulation is dispensed from andactivated by a single, self-contained unit. Conventional formulationapplicators dispense formulations but do not include sources ofelectromagnetic energy. Thus, even if a conventional formulationapplicator was used to dispense a photo-activatable formulation, aseparate light device would be required to expose the photo-activatableformulation to the appropriate electromagnetic energy. The two-stepprocess of applying the photo-activatable formulation with an applicatorand activating the photo-activatable formulation with a separate lightsource is cumbersome for the user and risks improper application and/oractivation of the photo-activatable formulation. In contrast to theissues with conventional formulation applicators, the embodiments of theapplicator 20 described herein limit exposure of the photo-activatableformulation to electromagnetic energy before the photo-activatableformulation is dispensed, reduce the time period between applying thephoto-activatable formulation to the one or more regions of a biologicalsurface and activating the photo-activatable formulation usingelectromagnetic energy, and emit activating electromagnetic energy inclose proximity to the location where the photo-activatable formulationis dispensed.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a method 60 of applying aphoto-activatable formulation, which can be performed using embodimentsof applicators capable of dispensing and photo-activatingphoto-activatable formulations described herein. At block 62,photo-activatable formulation is dispensed by a dispenser portion of aphoto-active formulation assembly from one or more photo-activatableformulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface.At block 64, electromagnetic energy is focused by a photo-dose assemblyoperably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly from at leastone illuminator onto one or more focal regions of the biologicalsurface. The focused electromagnetic energy is of a character and for aduration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulationdispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.In one embodiment, the method 60 includes the steps depicted in blocks62 and 64.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes generating an electromagneticenergy stimulus responsive to one or more inputs indicative of aphoto-curing composition type. For example, during operation theapplicator 20 is operable to detect information about a formulationwithin a reservoir, cartridge, and the like, and to adjust one or morephoto-curing parameters (e.g., a wavelength of the electromagneticenergy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, a duration of theelectromagnetic energy, and the like) based on the detected information.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes varying in real time one ormore photo-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, aduration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on adetected measurement indicative of a curing rate.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes varying one or morephoto-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, aduration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on adetected measurement indicative of a photo-activatable formulationdispensing rate.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes varying one or morephoto-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, aduration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on adetected measurement indicative of which cartridge is dispensingphoto-activatable formulation.

In an embodiment, the method 60 includes generating the focusedelectromagnetic energy responsive to one or more inputs indicative of aphoto-curing protocol associated with a formulation within a reservoir,cartridge, and the like.

The method 60 optionally includes the steps depicted in blocks 66, 68,and 70. At block 66, the replaceable formulation cartridge is removedfrom an applicator that includes the photo-dose assembly. At block 68, asecond replaceable formulation cartridge is coupled to the applicator.At block 70, a second photo-activatable formulation is dispensed fromthe second replaceable formulation cartridge onto the one or moreregions of the biological surface. The steps depicted in blocks 66, 68,and 70 permit the applicator that includes the photo-dose assembly to beused with multiple replaceable formulation cartridges. In one example,this ability permits a user to dispense and photo-activate multiplephoto-activatable formulations using the same applicator. As discussedabove, in some embodiments, the applicator is configured to modify oneor more spectral parameters of the electromagnetic energy from thephoto-dose assembly based on the different replaceable formulationcartridges coupled to the applicator and/or the differentphoto-activatable formulations dispensed from the replaceableformulation cartridges.

Referring to FIG. 10, additional elements will be discussed that may beadded to any of the embodiments of the applicator 20. Although theelements of FIG. 10 are shown in combination with other elements, anyone or more elements may be omitted, such that elements can be providedsingly or in combination with one or more elements in embodiments of theapplicator 20.

Referring to FIG. 10, in an embodiment, the applicator 20 includes aproximity sensor 102 that controls activation and deactivation of theilluminator 36 so that the illuminator 36 is activated when thedispenser portion 24 is within a certain distance to the user's skin,and the illuminator 36 is deactivated when the dispenser portion 24 isoutside of the certain distance from the user's skin. The proximitysensor 102 can be placed on the inside or the outside of the applicator20. In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 102 is placed on the outsideof the applicator 20. The proximity sensor 102 may be an infrared sensorin order to detect when the dispenser portion 24 has moved a thresholdamount away from the skin surface. Non-limiting examples of proximitysensors 102 include acoustic sensors (e.g., ultrasound sensors, acoustictransduces, and the like) conductance sensors, dielectric sensors (e.g.,capacitance sensors), electrochemical sensors, fluorescence sensors,force sensors, heat sensors (e.g., thermocouples, thermistors, and thelike), interdigital sensor, optical sensors, physiological sensors,proximity sensors (e.g., inductive proximity sensors, non-contactelectronic proximity sensors, and the like), and the like.

In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 102 may be contact-based and willonly permit the illuminator 36 to be active when the dispenser portion24 is sensed to contact the skin surface. The contact may be sensedusing any number of mechanisms known in the art. Non-limiting examplesof this type of proximity sensor 102 include acoustic sensors (e.g.,ultrasound sensors, acoustic transduces, and the like) conductancesensors, dielectric sensors (e.g., capacitance sensors), electrochemicalsensors, fluorescence sensors, force sensors, and pressure sensors.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the dispenser portion 24 is alight transparent ball 24 and the illuminator 36 is configured toproject images onto the skin surface of the user. In an embodiment, theimages travel through the waveguides 38 from the illuminator 36 to theend of the applicator 20. The images may be used to display instructionsfor a treatment method using the applicator 20, to display a target orguide for where to direct the applicator for treatment, or to displaynotifications such as when the formulation needs to be replaced or thebattery is running low on power. In an embodiment, an acquisition camera104 may be disposed behind proximate to the dispenser portion 24 to takeimages of the user's skin. Such images may be used locally ortransmitted to a remote device for diagnosing a condition of the user'sskin. Such images are used to inform the targeting or guiding of theuser to apply formulation to a particular area of the skin, eitherthrough the illuminator 36 or the external device display. In anotherembodiment shown in FIG. 10, the dispenser portion ball 24 may have atransparent or bio-compatible conductor coating 106. The transparent orbio-compatible conductor coating 106 encircles the entirety of theexterior of the dispenser portion ball 24. The transparent orbio-compatible conductor coating 106 is electrically connected tocircuitry for performing any number of purposes. Suitable transparent,biocompatible, conductive electrode materials for the ball dispenserportion 24 include, but are not limited to, polyethylenedioxythiophene(PEDOT) and nano-composites thereof (e.g., nano composites of PEDOT andgrapheme). In an embodiment, the dispenser potion conductor coating 106is coupled to a power supply and may be used to perform iontophoresis,wherein the dispenser portion 24 is operable as an electrode.Iontophoresis is a technique that uses a small electric current todeliver charged species across a membrane, in most cases an agentthrough the skin. By creating an electric field between at least twoelectrodes contacting the skin, active transport of an ion (chargedmolecule) through the skin can be achieved. The ion in an appropriateformulation is repelled by the source electrode that carries the samecharge as the ion, driving it through the stratum corneum and towardsthe return electrode. Many active ingredients in skin care have ionicforms, so iontophoresis can improve penetration of these ingredientsinto the epidermis. A more complete description of a technique to useiontophoresis to deliver therapeutic agents to the user's skin isdescribed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/984,104, which is incorporatedherein by reference. In this case, the dispenser portion 24 itself actsas the repelling electrode. That is, the charge applied at the dispenserportion 24 is the same charge of the ionic species that is to bedelivered.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the removable formulationcartridge 50 may be configured to have only a specific orientation inwhich it can be inserted into the applicator device in order to avoidmistakes in inserting the cartridge by the user. For example, referringto FIG. 10, the proximate end of the formulation cartridge 50 has anarrower diameter than the distal end (toward the dispenser portion 24),therefore, the formulation cartridge 50 can only be inserted into theapplicator 20 when the proximate end is inserted first. In anembodiment, the cartridge 50 may have threads at one end only thatthread onto the photo-does assembly. A plurality of different cartridgesmay be available in which each cartridge includes one of the specificformulations described above.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a shield 108 may be disposedbehind the dispenser portion 24 which allows transmission of light fromthe illuminator 36 towards the dispenser portion 24, but blocks lightfrom being reflected back towards the reservoir that stores theformulation 48. In an embodiment, this shield 108 may act like a one-waymirror and prevents reflected light from curing the formulation 48inside the reservoir. In an embodiment, the shield 108 is a one wayhemispherical mirror 108 provided behind the dispenser portion ball 24,wherein the hemispherical mirror 108 allows focusing of light from theilluminator 36 in one direction, but blocks light from returning to theinterior of the cartridge 50.

In another embodiment of the applicator 20, different ranges of UV lightwavelength may be used based on the formulation. Referring to FIG. 10,in an embodiment, the photo-active formulation assembly 22 includes anRFID or any other machine readable feature 116 encoded with information,such as the wavelength, time, amplitude, or a combination for activatingthe formulation 48, and the photo-dose assembly 26 includes an RFIDreader or reader 118, such that when the photo-active formulationassembly 22 is inserted into photo-dose assembly 26, the reader 118 isin proximity to the machine readable feature 116 and can read theinformation provided on the machine readable feature 116. In anembodiment, based on the information obtained from the machine readablefeature 116, the photo-dose assembly 26 controls the wavelength of theelectromagnetic energy delivered by the illuminator 36, the time theilluminator 36 is on, the amplitude of the electromagnetic energyproduced by the illuminator 36, or any combination. This way, thecharacteristics of the electromagnetic energy are automatically set intothe applicator 20 to avoid any entry errors. In an embodiment, “machinereadable feature” is used broadly to mean any type of storage devicethat has information which can be read electronically, such as RFIDtags, magnetic chips, barcodes, 2-D barcodes, other electronicallyreadable chips, marks, and the like.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the waveguide structures 38 maybe placed outside of the cartridge 50. In an embodiment, the waveguidestructures 38 are actually integrated with the cartridge 50 itself, butpositioned on the outer surfaces of the cartridge 50, rather thanthrough the middle of the applicator 20. For example, in an embodiment,the structural member 52 shown in FIG. 5 is eliminated and thewaveguides 38 are fastened directly to the exterior surface of thecartridge 50 (the photo-active formulation assembly).

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the applicator 20 is configuredto allow free space propagation in a cavity 110 around the cartridge 50,whereby the light source illuminator 36 is located in the housing beyondthe end of the inserted dispenser cartridge 50, with circumferentialclearance around the cartridge 50 to allow light propagation from theilluminator 36 to the dispensing end of the cartridge 50. For instance,the cavity 110 may be configured as an elliptical reflector. In anembodiment, the cavity 110 is covered by a reflective surface 112 on theinside of the applicator 20 walls, and the cartridge 50 has a reflectivesurface 114 on the outside of the cartridge 50. Thus, forming theelliptical reflector.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the ball dispenser portion 24has in place of the transparent or bio-compatible conductor coating 106,a flexible outer surface 111 that encases a fluid or gel, such that theouter surface 111 can deform to adjust to the contours of the user'sskin. In an embodiment, the outer surface 111 can be an elastomer, suchas latex, rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene, butylrubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or silicone. In anembodiment, the dispenser portion 24 contains a fluid or a gel withinthe flexible outer surface 111. In an embodiment, the dispenser portionball 24 is slightly malleable and elastic, allowing it to conform to theskin while dispensing, but still be able maintain its shape within thebearing surface of the applicator 20.

It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminologysuch as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,”“outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should beconstrued as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimedsubject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or“having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the itemslisted thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and“mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompassdirect and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation ofthe present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description.However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to beprotected are not to be construed as limited to the particularembodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are tobe regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will beappreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, andequivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all suchvariations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure, as claimed.

Further, the following patents and applications are incorporated hereinexpressly by reference for all purposes: U.S. application Ser. No.14/613,059; U.S. application Ser. No. 14/612,215; U.S. application Ser.No. 11/346,622; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/116,434; U.S. Pat. Nos.6,030,374; 7,004,933; 6,283,956; 7,494,503; U.S. application Ser. No.09/819,082; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/819,083; U.S. Pat. Nos.6,629,971; 7,201,765; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/212,916; U.S.application Ser. No. 11/332,517; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,887,260; 6,936,044;U.S. application Ser. No. 11/366,811; U.S. application Ser. No.09/322,981; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/759,094; U.S. Pat. Nos.6,663,659; 6,676,655; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/665,390; U.S.application Ser. No. 10/903,483; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/187,241;U.S. application Ser. No. 11/205,316; U.S. application Ser. No.60/601,995; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/272,042; U.S. application Ser.No. 60/627,110; U.S. application Ser. No. 60/626,492; U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/583,562; U.S. application Ser. No. 12/583,578; U.S.application Ser. No. 12/550,749; U.S. application Ser. No. 12/550,799;U.S. application Ser. No. 12/550,464; and U.S. application Ser. No.12/549,976.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method of applying aphoto-activatable formulation comprising: dispensing, by a dispenserportion of a photo-active formulation assembly, photo-activatableformulation from one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirsonto one or more regions of a biological surface; reading from a machinereadable feature on the photo-active formulation assembly, informationfor activating the photo-activatable formulation; and focusing, by aphoto-dose assembly operably coupled to the photo-active formulationassembly, electromagnetic energy from at least one illuminator onto oneor more focal regions of the biological surface, wherein the wavelengthof the electromagnetic energy, the time the illuminator is on, theamplitude of the electromagnetic energy, or any combination, is based onthe information read from the machine readable feature.